Armidale Regional Council Mayor Ian Tiley was joined by local sporting clubs to officially announce the inaugural Armidale Spring Games to be held in October later this year.
The event will be a celebration of sport through a weekend carnival that is expected to attract more than 50 teams from inter and intra – state.
Mayor Ian Tiley said the Armidale Spring Games will present an opportunity to showcase the region from both a sporting and tourism angle and will deliver a significant boost to the local economy.
"Following a lengthy period of devastating drought, bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, sport in our region has taken a huge hit with many major events forced to be cancelled or downsized," said Cr. Tiley.
"This has undoubtedly taken a toll on our local economy and has placed financial strain on many of our local sporting clubs, so we are anticipating the Spring Games will be a welcome addition to our events calendar."
The event will be held over the October Long Weekend on 1 – 4 October 2021. The three sporting codes involved will be hockey, cricket and football, and will take place at several venues across the city.
The hockey competition will target under 15's boys and girls teams, football will target over 35's men and open women's teams, while cricket will be targeting teams in the over 50's category. All competitions will compete for the title of Armidale Spring Games Champions.
Federal Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said the diverse range of the flow on effects for the region will be significant.
"With more than 50 teams travelling from all over, local accommodation, eateries and shops will see a huge influx in business over the four days," he said.
"Whether they're eating out, staying the night, or just enjoying their long weekend while watching some great sport, we are certain people will flock to this event."
"As Spring Games hosts, the New England is the ideal venue to say goodbye to winter and hello to a healthy restart with new leaves and new competition."
Armidale Regional Council and participating sporting clubs have committed to this event for the next two years, with it hoped to be a permanent fixture on Armidale's sporting calendar.
This bushfire recovery initiative is funded by a $145,000 grant from the Australian Government through the Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery grants program.
For more details and information about how to participate, visit armidalespringgames.com.au.
